Shenmue City launches in Japan

A social game inspired by Mafia Wars, you no longer play as protagonist Ryo but as one of the townspeople from Yokosuka in Japan – where the original Dreamcast game was set. You also get to travel to Hong Kong, mimicking the events of Shenmue II.The game will apparently be coming to the PC as well, but there’s no indication yet as to whether it’ll be available outside Japan. Technologically speaking it does seem quite basic, although there is a combat system of sorts – which notably makes use of magic (the originals were generally ambiguous as to the existence of the supernatural).You start the game as a student at the Hazuki Dojo, where you’ll run into Ryo Hazuki himself. One of the goals is to set-up and run your own dojo and compete with other rivals. You’ll also have to take a part time job, although we’ve yet to see any confirmation of forklift truck simulation.Although only really a spin-off the game is still being overseen by series creator Yu Suzuki, who has also recently spoke of his desire to make a big budget Shenmue III .According to an interview on fansite Sega Bits Ryo’s English voice actor Corey Marshall is also keen on a new game, although both of them are reliant on Sega fronting the money.Considering the original was for years the most expensive video game ever made, and yet sold in only modest numbers, we still have a hard time imagining that happening.